Golf Ball Dimples with Peripheral Contours for Aerodynamic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball designs fail to maximize the aerodynamic performance of dimples, leading to suboptimal flight distance due to uneven air flow and resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
The golf ball features plural dimples with depressed or protruded portions along their outer periphery, where these portions have a contour similar to the dimple, disturbing air flow and enhancing aerodynamic performance by reducing air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dimple configurations are used, then the golf ball structure is simple, but the aerodynamic performance is insufficient due to uneven air flow and suboptimal flight distance
Solution Approach 1:
The dimple configuration is segmented into multiple functional zones: the central dimple area and the annular recess surrounding it. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific aerodynamic function, with the central dimple creating primary turbulence and the annular recess enhancing secondary flow patterns, thereby improving overall aerodynamic performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire surface structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the golf ball surface are given different structural qualities. The central dimple has a specific depth and diameter ratio optimized for initial air flow disruption, while the surrounding annular recess has different dimensional characteristics optimized for sustaining turbulence. This local differentiation of structural properties allows each region to contribute optimally to the overall aerodynamic effect
2Reliability
If dimple depth and configuration are increased to improve air flow disturbance, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific dimensional parameters of the dimples and annular recesses to achieve effective air flow disturbance within manufacturable tolerances. By carefully selecting the depth, diameter, and spacing parameters, the design achieves maximum aerodynamic effect while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes and tolerance ranges
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration increases the effectiveness of dimples, resulting in improved aerodynamic performance and extended flight distance by effectively managing air flow around the golf ball.
Implementation Method 1
the air is intentionally disturbed before flowing into the dimple, and thereby the effect of the dimples can be increased and the aerodynamic performance can be improved
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball includes plural dimples formed on a surface thereof and plural depressed or protruded portions spaced apart from each other and arranged along an outer periphery of at least one of the plural dimples. The plural depressed or protruded portions each has, as a part of a contour thereof, a shape substantially similar to a part of a contour of the dimple surrounded with the plural depressed or protruded portions. The plural depressed or protruded portions each has a length of more than 1/10 and less than ½ of an outer peripheral length of the dimple surrounded with the plural depressed or protruded portions.